| Gravitee Strikes a Winning Chord
I’m at 32,000 feet, headed home from EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 in Las Vegas. After four weary days (and nights), I wanted to share with you the overall show vibe from the Classic Exhibits perspective.
To those not in attendance, I hope you viewed our videos highlighting Day 1 and Day 2. They show how slammed we were both days. On the morning of Day 2, I was approached by another exhibitor who said, “Kevin, ya know in grade school where we all learned to share. Would you mind sharing some of your attendee traffic with the rest of us?”
| Thumbs Up & Thumbs Down
We’re back from an early EXHIBITORLIVE 2016 this year. I have a vague recollection back in the days of Bally’s of one around Valentine’s Day but then again, all my EXHIBITOR memories are somewhat fuzzy for reasons that would be best not to explore. While it’s still fresh on my mind, I thought I’d share a few Thumbs Ups and Thumbs Downs.
| The One-Step Wall System
Yes, Gravitee really is as simple and clever as it appears:
Panels Connect without Tools or Loose Parts
Upper Panels Stack without Tools or Loose Parts
Attach Direct Print or SEG Graphics
Flat and Curve Panels (60, 90, and 120 Degrees)
Lightweight, Durable Engineered Aluminum Extrusion
Connects to Euro LT and ClassicMODUL Extrusions
A Subtle Update to Exhibit Design Search
How often have you heard me say, “Exhibit Design Search is a work in progress, always evolving and changing.” I’m glad I can’t see you. It would hurt my feelings… just a little.
Nearly everyday, we make little changes to EDS. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing the wording, adding a kit, or linking to a new photo.
Women in Exhibitions Meeting at EXHIBITOR
Hi everyone, Katina here!
Calling all women in the exhibition industry! I’ll be leading the Women In Exhibitions (WIE) meeting on Monday, February 29 at 5 pm. Please join us as we network and build key relationships with other women in our intriguing industry. The Mandalay Bay conference room assignment has not been made yet, but if you are interested, please do two things:
1) Join the WIE Group on LinkedIn
2) Send me an email so I can follow up with you personally as soon as I have the location. My e-mail is katina.rigall@classicexhibits.com.
Custom Inline Exhibit with LED RGB Lights (Very Cool!)
Do you want to see something AMAZING?
As we head into EXHIBITOR, I wanted to share a video of a recent build. It’s two 10 x 10’s inlines that convert into a 10 x 20.
Before you say, “big deal Kevin…an inline exhibit…we have seen them all”…I challenge that idea.
| Monday After Next
So close. We’re a mere two weeks away from another EXHIBITORLIVE. And yes, out of respect for EXHIBITOR, I add the LIVE in italics and caps (but noticeably wince each time).
EDS Training Video by The TradeshowGuy
Tim Patterson, aka The Tradeshow Guy, created a quick video tutorial on Exhibit Design Search. He covers the major EDS points in just 7:34 min., something I couldn’t do under any circumstance. You’ll learn how to do a quick search, review details about a design, save them in a gallery, see exhibit photos, and share trade show marketing tips. Frankly, it’s hard not to be a little jealous of Tim’s video and audio panache.
| Vote For Classic Exhibits (please)
The E2MA and Exhibit City News present the first annual BEST Awards created to honor the Best in Exhibit Servicing & Technology among trade show industry service organizations and management companies.
Top 10 Trade Show Rental Designs
When I started in the this business, waaaayyyyyy back when folding panel systems and pop ups were duking it out for design supremacy, rentals were an afterthought. Really a non-thought. The Great Recession changed that. Rentals are now HUGE. And CUSTOMIZED. And BEAUTIFUL. At least those from Classic Rental Solutions.
Recent Posts
EXHIBITOR 2013 — What Else to Do in Vegas (from a Las Vegas local)
EXHIBITOR is celebrating its 25th year. While there aren’t many certainties in life, one thing is certain. Vegas reinvents itself more often than Madonna. Living in Vegas, I’m constantly asked about what to do here. So, here’s the inside scoop of what’s new!
‘s in a Name?: Word on the Street — Dec. 10th thru Dec. 14th
Over the past couple of years, one of my favorite things is when people outside of the Pacific Northwest tell me how much they love Sacagawea Portable Hybrid Displays from Classic.
Not only does it generate a sense of pride in our company, but it also just makes me laugh to be frank
Innovative iPad Solutions for Trade Shows, Events, and Retail Environments
You hit the jackpot! The iPad Kiosks shown below are cost-effective and well-designed iPad stands designed specifically for trade shows, events, and retail environments. They are lightweight, assemble fast, and include lockable security features. Most units have a clamshell frame that rotates effortlessly from portrait to landscape. There’s even a roll-able case. All ship from the USA.
EXHIBITOR 2013 — Other Places to Eat (from a Las Vegas local)
You gotta eat. You can eat cheap, which your stomach will regret later, or you can eat expensive, which your wallet will regret for weeks. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead, why not truly dine, i.e. To eat a good dinner in good company and eat it slow
Shopping with Social Misfits at the Supermarket
No matter where you live, you’ll find yourself in a supermarket several times a week. Supermarkets reflect society, particularly regional differences. But how people behave in a supermarket is . . . well . . . “revealing.” I’m not going to point out regional differences, that would get me in trouble, but I will say that supermarkets are a mirror of how we treat others and how we view our social responsibilities.
CEIR Index: After Nine Quarters of Good News . . . Exhibitors are Cautious
In an article by Rachel Wimberly for the Trade Show News Network, she writes:
For the ninth quarter in a row, the trade show industry still is growing, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s latest CEIR Index, albeit at a slower rate in the third quarter of this year, with concerns over not only the looming fiscal cliff, but also the global economy.
Post EDPA ACCESS 2012 Report: Word on the Street — Nov. 26th thru Nov. 30th
I LOVE this industry! And events like EDPA ACCESS only make me love it more!
Palm Springs provided an amazing setting this past week for Education, Advocacy, Networking and Strategy. To those who were there, it was great to see you and get caught up professionally and personally.
Become an Exhibit Design Search Expert — Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Become an Exhibit Design Search expert in 45 minutes! Just in time for the Q1 2013 trade show season. Attend on either Dec. 11 at 7 am PST (10 am EST) or Dec. 12 at 10 am PST (1 pm EST).
‘re More Than You Think We Are: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th
For the past two years, Classic Exhibits has pursued “alternative” markets such as retail, environments, events, etc. with our distributors. Our CNC production capability, skilled workforce, and ClassicMODUL aluminum inventory make these natural fits. This week, I want to share pictures and a video that show some of those projects. It’s our hope, quite selfishly, that your view of Classic will broaden.
‘s the Deal with Hybrid Displays?
I challenge you to search Google for “Hybrid Displays” or “Hybrid Exhibits.” Five years ago, your search would turn up a handful of links. Now . . . Yikes a Momma! Hybrid Exhibits have gone from curiosity to mainstream for trade show exhibitors. But why?
Our Holiday Season Gift to You . . . SAVINGS!
SAVE 10% on all Rentals from Classic Exhibits through February 2013.
Need another reason . . . Offset your shipping costs by saving $100 on every $1000.
Review the complete line of rental solutions below or contact Jim Shelman (jshelman@exhibitsnw.com) for a rental solution designed to your specifications.
Classic Exhibits Town Call Meeting — Q3 Recorded Video
Every quarter, Classic Exhibits conducts a Town Hall Meeting with the Classic Distributor Network via GoToWebinar. In this meeting, we review sales and and design trends, new products, rental program changes, and industry news. The video is approximately 60 minutes.
In this Town Call, we also share our 2013 predictions, as well as details about our new iPad Kiosks and changes to Exhibit Design Search.
Amnesia or Arrogance: Word on the Street — Nov. 5th thru Nov. 9th
Has This Happened to You?
A person walks up to you at an event and says, “Hello, I am Robert. I am the VP of TooSee Displays.” All the while you are thinking, “We met six months ago. Does he not remember meeting me?”
I suppose it can happen to the best of us. But what if I told you this happened to me this week — for the 5th time with the same damn person! I kid you NOT.
Trade Show Garbage. Eco-friendly Solutions.
Our compliments to Smash Hit Displays for producing this graphic about waste from tradeshows and some smart solutions for reducing the overall volume. It can be as simple as recycling the waste, using recycled products, and making smarter decisions about your marketing materials. One additional “green option” is rental displays. Rental displays are ideal for exhibitors who are still deciding about how to optimize their trade show marketing or for those situations when a show requires a unique display solution.
Getting Over Ourselves: Word on the Street — Oct. 29th thru Nov. 2nd
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I wanted to share some poignant advice from Seth Godin this week. I hope our friends in the NE and Mid-Atlantic States are getting things back on track and are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Know that you have been and will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of your Classic Family.